Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

Healthy Tips to Add Sparkle as You Kiss 2020 Goodbye

Healthy Tips to Add Sparkle as You Kiss 2020 Goodbye

Most of us are anxious to say goodbye to 2020, but currently the CDC is recommending outdoor or virtual gatherings with an intimate number of family and friends. However, changing with whom you gather or the way you gather does not have to limit the amount of sparkle you add to your New Year’s Eve celebration. Just remember, to let go of 2020 and ring in 2021 by practicing recommended CDC precautions and doing your part to keep everyone COVID-19 free in the New Year. I have s

Searching for the Meaning of Christmas Begins at Home

Searching for the Meaning of Christmas Begins at Home

It’s tough being a parent, especially at Christmas. You know your child doesn’t need another gadget or toy to distract them, yet you love seeing the joy on their faces as they open their gifts on Christmas morning. You may struggle with the materialism of it all, knowing there’s more to the holidays than what you place under the tree. So how do you instill the deeper meaning of Christmas in your family so your children’s Christmas memories will be filled with joy instead of “

How to Enjoy a Guiltless Holiday Season

How to Enjoy a Guiltless Holiday Season

Making holiday plans has always been stressful when you live away from your family, but this year it’s especially difficult. The CDC has advised us to expect the pandemic to get worse as families come together for the holidays and celebrate inside due to cold weather. Many families are hurting, whether from finances, job loss, illness, and even death. The need to be with loved ones makes the thought of celebrating Christmas without them seem unbearable. No matter what you dec

Signs Your Loved One May Be Hiding Their Depression This Holiday Season

Signs Your Loved One May Be Hiding Their Depression This Holiday Season

For many, the holidays are full of twinkling lights, warm fires, and more time with family. However, for others the holidays will be a reminder of lost loved ones, financial stress, job loss, and fears about the future. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 64% of people with mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse. Depression often goes unnoticed during the holidays due to the hustle and bustle of the season; being aware of your lov

What If Santa Can’t Afford Christmas?

What If Santa Can’t Afford Christmas?

My friend’s daughter had glanced at the news while she was playing and suddenly ran to her mother and asked, “Mommy, what if Santa can’t afford Christmas this year?” She had witnessed the effects of the pandemic that included isolation, sickness, and financial strain. Not wanting to lie to your children but also not wanting to scare them, it’s important that parents sit with their children and explain that times are tough right now. Many families are struggling to get back on

Managing Stress when Pandemic Fears Overwhelm the Holidays

5 Ways to Communicate Your Commitment on Social Media

5 Ways to Communicate Your Commitment on Social Media

The holiday season is one of the most popular times for marriage proposals and, due to the pandemic, many of those proposals are happening virtually. However, you don’t have to be getting married to show your partner you’re committed to them. No matter what social media platform you use to communicate with each other, you can communicate your intentions so your partner will know you’re serious about them. Here are five signals that communicate commitment to your partner onlin

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